Chocolate Love

Chapter 1

Sherry

I check my phone and see that it’s 10 a.m.

I know it’s still early to be at the school considering my class is still in about an hour, but I’ve got things to prepare.  

As I walk down the hallway, I see my lovely students. I smile and wave at them.

“Good morning, kids! Are you excited for today’s class?”

“Good morning, Miss Sherry!” they say at once.

“Yes,Miss Sherry. I’m really excited for our class!” Alice says while giggling. 

Alice has been my student since I started teaching here at Bright Kids Academy of New York. She was at kindergarten by that time, and I’ve become fond of her ever since.

“I’m excited, too! Now, why don’t you wait for me in the room while I pick up our materials at the office? Make sure you’re all prepared for our first activity today, okay?” I tell them.

They all nod and I make my way to the office.

My students have a special place in my heart and they really are one of a kind. Maybe that’s the reason why I chose to be a teacher.

On my way to the office, I see Principal Steins going out of the door. 

What was she doing there?

“Good morning, Principal Steins! What brought you to our office?” I greet her with a smile.

Principal Audrey Steins is already in her mid-sixties. Everyone says that she’ll retire soon. 

One thing I’ve observed about her is that she has the brightest smile among us and she still enjoys teaching kids. I really look up to her and admire her.

“Good morning, sweet pea,” she greets me back. “You know, just doing my casual rounds before my class starts. How are the kids?” 

“I passed by them earlier, and as usual, they’re excited for class. Every time I ask

them, they always seem to be looking forward to it.” 

“I really love seeing them happy,” she says. “By the way, I saw an envelope at your desk. Looks like you have another secret admirer, Sherry!”

“A secret admirer?” I ask, puzzled.

“Yes. Why don’t you go and check it out? I’d better get going and finish my rounds. See you later!” 

I smile at Principal Steins and enter the office. I go straight for my desk to see she was referring to. 

I’m not really bothered about receiving love letters because having a love life is not my priority. I’m happy teaching the kids and I love my work. Still, I get excited every time I receive one because it’s just thrilling to read.

I pick up the red envelope and read what it says.

You’re mine. 

I’m taken aback because of the cryptic and creepy message 

This is my first time to receive this kind of letter. Who would even write this?

It’s making me feel uneasy, so I shake my head and immediately throw the letter in the trash. 

I pick up the materials I need and as I walk to the door of the office, I see my reflection in the mirror. 

I’m sweating like hell.

 I take out my handkerchief and wipe it all off. Then I fan myself, trying to calm down.

What the heck is wrong with me? It’s just a letter..

I hurriedly walk to my first class, but I can’t stop thinking about the letter.

Something about it doesn’t feel right, but I can’t let my students see me in this state. 

Maybe it’s a prank.

I saw something like that on social media. If it is indeed a prank, it sure as hell isn’t funny.

I take a peek inside the classroom, then I let out a deep sigh and enter the room.

“Hi, kids! Are you excited for our class?” I ask while opening the door. 

They start to make their way to me, and that’s my cue to start our class.

We start singing and dancing for our circle time. It is really the best place in the world to be with these wonderful kids. 

“Sit down, everyone! We will be watching a video about our solar system. Are you excited to learn?” I ask with anticipation.

“Yes!” the students say while tapping their desks.

I turn on the screen and put on the Solar System documentary. The kids are really focused on what we’re watching, and I can sense that they’re actually enjoying the video. 

I'm having fun too because I know that they’re learning something new.

After the documentary, we proceed to our other activities.

“For your seat work, I want you to draw the planet Earth. Here is an example,” I say while drawing at the board.

“You’re really great at drawing, Miss Sherry!” Alice exclaims.

“Thank you, dear,” I say, beaming at her.

I help the kids while they do their activity. Then we proceed to our last circle time to end our class. 

“Good job today, kids! I’ll see you again tomorrow.”

“Good bye and thank you, Miss Sherry!” 

     The kids start to leave the room and I prepare my stuff so I could go home too.

On my way home, I pass by the grocery store and buy my necessities. Then I grab a box of pizza to go.

I can’t wait to go home and lay on my bed and watch Netflix all night. 

The moment I arrive on my doorstep, I know something is off.

I locked the door, right? I definitely did. That would be the last thing that I’d miss.

I can hear my heart pounding, and my hands are sweating. 

I quietly leave my groceries and pizza in the living room. I grab my phone from my bag and hurriedly make my way upstairs.

I stop dead in my tracks as I see the scene in front of me. 

I hear my phone drop on the ground but I don’t even bother picking it up.

What the hell is this mess?

I can see my bathrobe and what seems to be a used underwear on my bed. 

On my bed? I’m sure I didn’t do that! 

I walk closer to inspect the mess, and I gasp as I see stains—white, sticky stains, to be exact. 

Is this…is this semen?

I drop down on the floor. I don’t know what to do. 

I want to cry for help and scream, but I can’t seem to do it. 

Tears are running down my face.

I hesitantly pick up my phone with my shaky hands. 

My visions are unclear because of my tears, but thankfully, I’m able to dial the emergency number.

Please pick up, please. I need your help.

“911, what’s your emergency?”